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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable